When the problem is larger than you are—your experience, skillset, wisdom, or imagination—the best course of action is to do nothing. Simply wait. My seven-year journey has demonstrated this again and again. Unlike Frodo’s course, our family’s quest has carried us away from the fires of Mordor, and all that corporate disfigurement, toward a sustainable … More Arriving at a solution vs imposing one
The best part of our family having carved out a niche through farming, writing, and the creation of fine art, by far, is having a seat at the community’s dinner table, which enables us to join the larger conversation. This brings immense joy, particularly when our contribution is the least important part, but somehow remains … More Finding a seat at the table
Just two hours ago I hurried our phone call to a close. We were discussing a potential market opportunity for my farm’s produce. I quickly determined that Tiny Farm Duluth doesn’t have capacity for anything new right now, and while wading through the awkward, “How are you doing?” stage of the call, Mehgan offhandedly mentioned … More Who is crazy enough to do this?
I purchased this sheepskin hat directly from the hands of the old man himself: Howard Joynes, founder of Joynes Ben Franklin up in Grand Marais, MN. It cost me $76—a pretty penny back in 1996… It’s the warmest hat I’ve ever worn, or seen on anyone, and that includes those atop the heads of explorers … More Changed my life
Constraints and limitations are often necessary to succeed. The problem becomes the solution again and again over here, a constant theme since the genesis of Tiny Farm Duluth, and in my life. Just four or five years ago we had a single 2011-vintage laptop computer, which still gets daily use over here. Now, and I … More Flow State. Every Dang Day!
Six days into recovery from shoulder surgery, I’ve already experienced an entire crop cycle. Here are 10 thoughts of dubious import, post-surgery: “Everything is Figureoutable.” (Marie Forleo) Gilmore Worldwide Headquarters currently offers zero sick time. It was tempting to continue on with the bum-shoulder status quo, but life was being affected in real ways. Since … More Ready. Fire! Aim. 10 thoughts after undergoing surgical enhancement.
When you’re body is fixin’ to be laid up a while, it’s crucial to work out some of that sphizerinctum in advance. Whenever possible, it’s even more effective to intertwine that need for raw body movement with exploration by simultaneously taking a dip into that refreshing well of adventure. This reminds of a recent argument … More Pre-surgery sashay along the SHT
In those final fleeting moments before the snow begins to fly, I get twitchy. Must cram in as many fall experiences as possible! Yesterday’s hankering to knock out the next stretch of the trail, before it’d be blanketed under several inches of snow, was overwhelming. Though I only had a handful of four-mile runs under … More Party on the Superior Hiking Trail like it’s 1999. Fox Farm to Rossini.
“I’m walking that trail up to Canada with or without you, boy.” The weather report showed that Friday was going to be a stellar day, so I sprung the idea on my boy the night before while he was hunched over his phone, tired and unmotivated. Bad timing. Thankfully, it all worked out. I knew … More Back on the SHT bandwagon: Normanna Road to Fox Farm Road
At the very moment of the autumnal equinox, I was enjoying a fine cup of coffee along the shores of Rose Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with my friend John. We were on the cusp of an epic day. A month prior to this, I saw this entry point into the BWCA … More Do It Anyway. Rose Lake: Crown Jewel of the Boundary Waters.
Ed's Big Adventure 